B’ville designated Tree City USA for 23rd consecutive year

Driving through the village of Baldwinsville on a bright spring day, one can’t help but notice the vibrant colors of the many trees planted along the roadways. Greens, pinks, purples and reds color the village with character, creating a beautiful atmosphere for visitors and residents alike.

In addition to residents, Baldwinsville’s Department of Public Works planted many of these trees in an effort to both beautify and create a healthy living environment in the village. Officials continued this tradition on Arbor Day, recognized last Friday, with the dedication of an Autumn Blaze Maple at 27 Braeside Drive in Candlewyck.

“This tree is a hybrid of a native species and should grow well in our area,” said Mace Markham, the Baldwinsville DPW foreman.

For the 23rd consecutive year, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation recognized Baldwinsville as a Tree City USA, a designation few municipalities in the state can claim, and even fewer for the years Baldwinsville has obtained the honor.

“The village is very proud to be considered a Tree City,” said village Trustee Dick Clark. “It shows that we care what our neighborhoods look like.”

Clark and Markham both noted the Tree City program is responsible for many of the trees planted in the village over the years, not to mention the village’s dedication to refurbishing existing trees and removing diseased trees.

“Unfortunately, yearly we have to take quite a few trees down,” said Tim Baker, the village engineer. “Sometimes you feel guilty taking down the trees, even if they are sick.”

In most cases, when a diseased tree is removed, the village replaces it with a new tree, which is funded through the village’s “tree budget.”

“Trees are very good for the environment and make for a nice place for people to live,” Markham said. “There’s no downside to having a tree on your property.”

Village Trustee Dick Clark, Village Engineer Tim Baker and DPW Foreman Mace Markham display Baldwinsville’s flag designating the village as a Tree City USA for the 23rd year in a row. In celebration of Arbor Day, recognized last Friday, and the village’s designation, a Autumn Blaze Maple was planted at 27 Braeside Drive in the village, which stands behind the men.